playing Open AND crossed

[h3r3tic]

Some drummers defend the idea of playing open AND crossed playing because they think that it can open even more possibilities of pattern execution. What do you think?

I used to play 100% crossed 5 years ago, but 5 months ago I decided to play open but not playing only left lead(means that I didn't put my ride cymbal on my left side near my hats). Now I was thinking on playing both crossed and open...
This means that I can play crossed with my strong limb but still use the possibilty of playing open when I can

How about you? Do you think this is great?
Thanks

[caprisun3484]

i think it might get confusing but it would certainly open up a few new ideas.

[Bobr]

yeah, novadays it´s very popular here in czech rep, i´ve tried myself. in my opinion, it´s good if you can handle the hihats with your left hand, but for me it´s not the key to be an amazing drummer.

[khanedeliac]

Just look at Billy Cobham to see what can happen when you take that kind of ambidexterity to its apex.

Playing in the way that he does allows him to start patterns with both hands and he can keep time on both sides of the body. Not to mention the ergonomic advantage of freeing up your torso to move quite easily around the drums.

I cant see a negative to learning both, I mean who here wouldnt love to have the same power in their weak hand as in their strong hand? Ambidexterity is not something achieved by many drummers, probably cause it takes very high levels of tenacity to learn.

[Vinnysimmo]

Itd prolly be a good idea to practice open for a while to inprove our left hand. Just a thourght.

[Therma lobsterdore]

Yeah it's definately worth praticing both open and crossed, it'll make you a much more verstatile drummer

[k3ng]

It's a lot of time to practice both and get them both up to a level where you can use either in a same fashion. It's a real handful to get both to an equal level of playing.

I myself am playing crossed with trad in my left hand. So the idea of open handed playing was a little difficult for me. I do practice open in matched grip too, however, and there are some positive results.

My personal suggestion is unless you are ready to spend great long lengths of practice, you're better off selecting one to master and the other one just as an exercise.

[funkster5TP]

A perfect example of the options available when you can switch between the two is Carter Beauford (Dave Matthews Band). His grooves flow between his hats and his ride and i think his open handed technique has alot to do with it.

I use a ride on my right and one on my left. If i learn a groove or rudiment playing crossed i don't consider it learnt 'till i can play it open handed as well. It opens up a world of possibility for grooves and fills but it's definately hard work and quite frustrating!

D

[fijjibo]

I play open and crossed.

I first learned open handed so I could do stick tricks with my right.

Now I just use both instictively.

If I need loud - crossed

Subtle and funky - both

[d.c.drummer]

A drummer that come to my church from time to is so good and comfortable that he switches opened and crosss like one would switch betweeen matched and traditional. Its all about comfort. I wouldnt suggest playing open SOLEY for the cause of playing open. Its a nice challenge but dont stress yourelf. Do whats good for you.

[fourstringdrums]

I used to set up left handed and would play "open" on the hi-hat (with my right hand..remember the hi-hat is on the left side) and then I would put the ride on my left side and use my left hand. That way I could utilize both limbs in time keeping.

[Shinx]

I've pretty much always played both ways because it always seemed like it would work the best. I just do what ever feels most comfortable.

[Deathmetalconga]

It's a lot of time to practice both and get them both up to a level where you can use either in a same fashion. It's a real handful to get both to an equal level of playing.

I myself am playing crossed with trad in my left hand. So the idea of open handed playing was a little difficult for me. I do practice open in matched grip too, however, and there are some positive results.

My personal suggestion is unless you are ready to spend great long lengths of practice, you're better off selecting one to master and the other one just as an exercise.

My feelings exactly. If you have the time to devote to true ambidexterity, then it will make you a much better player. I'm lucky to get a half hour a day to practice, so I have to pick and choose what I will focus on. Also, to realy take advantage of ambidexterity, you need to arrange your set accordingly.

I play open (left hand on hats and ride) and I always have. I rarely cross my right hand over, though. I'm no more ambidextrous than a crossed player and I have no real desire to learn crossed.

[bfrancese]

I wish I learned to play open. I watched guys play when I was young and just started playing crossed with everything set up for right hand lead. The unfortunate thing is that I am a lefty. I had been playing for years like a righty until i realized why drum sets where set up the way they were (I was a young kid who didn't ask questions enough unfortunately). So it's still most comfortable to play this way though my left hand is substantially stronger than my right (unfortunately). I heard Gruber and Chapin talking about how natural the open way of playing really is. I make the switch every once and awhile. There are lots of possibilities there.

B

[Deathmetalconga]

I wish I learned to play open. I watched guys play when I was young and just started playing crossed with everything set up for right hand lead. The unfortunate thing is that I am a lefty. I had been playing for years like a righty until i realized why drum sets where set up the way they were (I was a young kid who didn't ask questions enough unfortunately). So it's still most comfortable to play this way though my left hand is substantially stronger than my right (unfortunately). I heard Gruber and Chapin talking about how natural the open way of playing really is. I make the switch every once and awhile. There are lots of possibilities there.

B

I don't believe there is a "left handed" or "right handed" way to play drums. Unlike, say, a piano, the drums can be rearranged to suit any playing style.

I am right handed but I play open, with ride and hats on the left, and it has brought my left hand to equal strength as my right. To me and many others, this is the most natural way to play (in fact, even crossed drummers always put their ride cymbal on the right, so they can play open whenever they get a chance).

Nobody does anything crossed handed - not eating, cooking, driving, reading, typing, sports or playing other instruments (unless maybe they are left handed and trying to adapt to a right-handed setup, in which case they are inviting injury). So to me, people who cross their hands to play drums are the real ones playing "left handed."